Commissioning of VDF Systems with Associated Support 2026

Commissioning of VDF Systems with Associated Support 2026

Job Details

• Project Title: Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of VDF Systems with Associated Support and Maintenance
• Tender Number: ATNS/ATS/RFP02/04/2026/27/VDF_REPLACEMENT_Nav_202
• Employer: Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company Limited (ATNS)
• Tender Type: Request for Bid (Open Tender)
• Contract Category: Aviation Systems, Navigation Equipment, Communications Infrastructure, Supply, Installation, Commissioning, Maintenance and Technical Support
• Project Locations:
  • Richards Bay Airport (FARB)
  • Virginia Airport (FAVG)
  • Pilanesberg International Airport (FAPN)
  • Grand Central Airport (FAGC)
  • ATNS Aviation Training Academy (ATA)
• Tender Closing Date: 13 August 2026 at 11:00
• Compulsory Briefing Session: 02 July 2026 at 12:00 (Microsoft Teams)
• Project Objective: To supply, install, commission, integrate, support, and maintain new VHF Direction Finder (VDF) systems while decommissioning obsolete equipment and improving air traffic navigation capabilities across multiple ATNS facilities.

Job Description

The appointed service provider will be responsible for supplying, installing, testing, integrating, commissioning, and maintaining modern VHF Direction Finder (VDF) systems at multiple ATNS operational sites and the ATNS Aviation Training Academy.

The contractor will remove and safely dispose of existing VDF equipment, install new ICAO-compliant systems, integrate them with existing air traffic management infrastructure, train ATNS personnel, and provide long-term maintenance and technical support. All work must comply with ICAO Standards, South African Civil Aviation Regulations (SA-CARS), South African Civil Aviation Technical Standards (SA-CATS), and ATNS operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Supply VHF Direction Finder (VDF) systems and associated equipment.
• Install VDF antenna systems, receivers, control units, and display units.
• Configure and integrate VDF systems with existing ATNS infrastructure.
• Commission and test all installed systems.
• Perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Validate system performance against operational specifications.
• Decommission and safely dispose of obsolete VDF equipment.
• Install equipment racks, power systems, and lightning protection.
• Configure communication interfaces and network connectivity.
• Ensure compliance with ICAO and South African aviation standards.
• Provide comprehensive system documentation and operating manuals.
• Deliver operator and maintenance training to ATNS personnel.
• Provide preventive and corrective maintenance services.
• Offer technical support and fault resolution throughout the support period.
• Monitor system performance and reliability.
• Conduct routine inspections and maintenance activities.
• Maintain spare parts and technical support resources.
• Implement quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Coordinate project implementation across all designated airport sites.
• Prepare project reports, commissioning reports, and maintenance records.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience in supplying and deploying VHF Direction Finder (VDF) systems.
• Demonstrated experience with aviation navigation systems within the past 10 years.
• Reference letters confirming successful completion of similar projects.
• OEM authorization or accreditation where applicable.
• Capability to provide installation, commissioning, maintenance, and technical support services.
• Ability to provide training to operational and technical personnel.
• Submission of all required tender documentation.

Technical Requirements

• Supply ICAO-compliant VDF systems.
• Installation of VDF antenna systems.
• Installation of VHF receivers and evaluation/control units.
• Installation of operator display units and technical workstations.
• Integration with existing Air Traffic Management systems.
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• System commissioning and operational validation.
• Decommissioning and disposal of existing systems.
• Power supply installation and protection systems.
• Lightning protection implementation.
• Equipment rack installation.
• Network configuration and communications integration.
• Preventive and corrective maintenance.
• System monitoring and diagnostics.
• Technical documentation and manuals.
• Operator and maintenance training.
• Compliance with ICAO, SA-CARS, SA-CATS, and ATNS technical standards.

Skills and Competencies

• Aviation navigation systems.
• VHF Direction Finder (VDF) technology.
• Radio frequency (RF) systems.
• Electronic systems installation.
• Telecommunications engineering.
• Systems integration.
• Electrical installation.
• Testing and commissioning.
• Technical troubleshooting.
• Preventive maintenance.
• Corrective maintenance.
• Quality assurance and quality control.
• Project management.
• Risk management.
• Occupational health and safety.
• Technical report writing.
• Training and knowledge transfer.
• Communication and stakeholder management.
• Analytical problem-solving.
• Time management.

Preferred Experience

• Deployment of ICAO-compliant navigation systems.
• Air traffic management infrastructure projects.
• Airport communication and navigation systems.
• Aviation telecommunications.
• Radio navigation equipment installation.
• Airfield systems integration.
• Long-term maintenance and support contracts.
• Aviation training system implementation.
• Government or state-owned aviation infrastructure projects.
• Multi-site national infrastructure implementation projects.

Compliance Requirements

• Compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
• Compliance with South African Civil Aviation Regulations (SA-CARS).
• Compliance with South African Civil Aviation Technical Standards (SA-CATS).
• OEM authorization or accreditation where applicable.
• Submission of recent project reference letters demonstrating VDF deployment experience.
• Attendance at the compulsory Microsoft Teams briefing session.
• Compliance with ATNS quality assurance, health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Provision of training, technical documentation, and maintenance manuals.
• Delivery of preventive and corrective maintenance services.
• Completion of system installation, testing, commissioning, integration, and handover in accordance with the tender specifications.